Jovetic: Inter cannot be fooled by Juventus 'crisis'

The forward is refusing to underestimate the Bianconeri, but admitted he had been close to a move to Turin in 2013 before opting for Manchester City

Stevan Jovetic has urged Inter not to fall for any talk of a Juventus crisis ahead of Sunday’s Derby d’Italia date with the Italian champions.

Roberto Mancini’s team were knocked off top spot in Serie A by Fiorentina in the previous round of fixtures but still hold an eight-point advantage over their Turin-based rivals.

But Nerazzurri summer arrival Jovetic insists it would be foolish to underestimate Massimiliano Allegri’s men despite their difficulties, although he hopes to add to their woes by claiming all three points in the clash at San Siro.

“Physically, I’m fine and I’ll be ready to play. We will have to be careful as they are a good team and I do not trust those who talk of a crisis,” Jovetic, who had been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks, told Tuttosport.

“The fans want us to win against Juventus and we want to please them.”

The 25-year-old joined Inter on loan from Manchester City in July with a view to a permanent transfer, but revealed that he came close to becoming a Juve player when he departed Fiorentina in 2013.

“Before moving to [Manchester] City there was strong interest from [former Juve boss Antonio] Conte,” he said.

“In the end I preferred England and absolutely do not regret the choice, even if that adventure didn’t go well – [Manchester City coach Manuel] Pellegrini always preferred others over me.

“But there I had the opportunity to fight for the title that we won. I hope to repeat this [winning Serie A] with Inter too.”

Despite his Scudetto aspirations, the Montenegro international admitted that firing Inter back into the Champions League was his main aim, and hopes to replicate the success Andriy Shevchenko achieved at rivals AC Milan.

“[Qualifying for] the Champions League is our main objective,” he concluded.

“With the Scudetto we will see with time how the situation evolves.

“My dream is to replicate what has been done by my idol Shevchenko in Milan – I want to win everything.”